Life sentence for murderer of Weoley mum in Northfield taxi

After a short trial at Birmingham Crown Court this afternoon, a 28 year old Northfield man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 22 year old Weoley mum Natasha Trevis. Junior Mohammed Oakes pleaded guilty to the murder of the mother of his three children.

The murder shocked the local community back in August. Young mum Natasha died at the scene when Oakes attacked her in the back of a taxi at the junction of Dimsdale Road and Hoggs Lane at around 8am on the morning of August 7th 2012, stabbing her repeatedly.

Oakes was described as ‘violent and controlling’ and was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 22 years.

Natasha and Oakes were living apart at the time of the attack as she wanted to end their relationship. She had agreed to meet him the night before the attack, to celebrate his birthday. However, the two argued throughout the evening and into the next day. They shared a taxi that morning, intending to drop Oakes at his Dimsdale Road home and Natasha to continue on to her home in Weoley.

The argument continued in the taxi and on arriving in Dimsdale Road, Oakes tried to get Natasha to leave with him but she refused. A short time later the taxi driver heard Natasha scream that she was being stabbed.

Natasha managed to get out of the car but was chased by Oakes, who stabbed her numerous more times before running away. Despite medical attention from the emergency services at the scene, she died of her injuries after suffering 26 stab injuries.

The local community was shocked bythe violent attack in broad daylight and many were nervous and wary as West Midlands Police spent the day searching the area for Oakes. At around 6pm, he was spotted hiding in a garden in Allens Farm Road and arrested.

Investigating officer, DC Michelle Ohren from the Major Investigation Review Team said:“Natasha was a loving and devoted mother to her three children and she had everything to live for.

DC Ohren also spoke of the effect of the murder on Natasha’s family and the local community, saying: “She was very close to her family and this has devastated them all. The impact of her murder is far reaching and has touched all those who knew her within the community.

“Praise must also go to the witnesses who came forward; I know this has had a profound effect on some of them. I can only hope that today’s sentence goes some way to comfort them and the family and help them move forward.” she added.

Natasha’s mother, Joanne Hewitt, paid tribute to her daughter and said: “Tasha was my diamond, the star of my life. She was beautiful, caring and loved her three children with all her heart. When he killed her, he killed me; he has taken a very precious person from our family and broke us in two. She will be forever remembered by us.”